Designers Barry Dixon and Evette Ríos go for a spin with these fresh takes on an American classic that will keep the conversation moving

The Top 10 Swivel Chairs

The Top 10 Swivel Chairs

For those occasions that require a little extra movement, a swivel chair can be a godsend. Thomas Jefferson, the inventor of the rotating seat, sat in one while drafting the Declaration of Independence. But even if your ambitions aren't any loftier than kicking back on a lazy Sunday, there are plenty of reasons to introduce swivel chairs into a room.

"People mostly think of them as office furniture," says designer and television host Evette Ríos. "But they're ideal for making any kind of space multifunctional, or allowing two spaces to communicate with each other." We like to "rock and roll" in our seats, she adds. "They make you feel powerful. You feel like a badass in a swivel chair."

Designer Barry Dixon says he likes to put rotating chairs "wherever there's a television." He notes that many have a hidden mechanism, so they pass as conventional chairs. "Then you sit down and immediately realize you're in control," he says. "I love that little surprise."

THE EXPERTS

EVETTE RÍOS

The Brooklyn-born designer has developed a second career as a television personality. She is a correspondent for ABC's The Chewand host of CBS's Recipe Rehab.evetterios.com

BARRY DIXON

Virginia-based Dixon brings Southern sophistication to homes in places from the Caribbean to Beijing. His new collections include accessories for Arteriors, fabrics for Vervain, and paint colors for C2. barrydixon.com

1 / EVIN SWIVEL CHAIR BY BAKER

1 / EVIN SWIVEL CHAIR BY BAKER

Evette Ríos admires the traditional, clean-line shape, which can be ordered in any Baker fabric or leather, or c.o.m.: "It's great for a living room," she says. "I'd do a pair in a bright print to add some fun." Barry Dixon raves about the chair, which he has used multiple times: "It's comfortable enough to relax in, yet supportive enough to work on a laptop." 31" w. x 40" d. x 34" h.; $3,549;bakerfurniture.com